The Vampire Pandora
P.S. And to Chaotic Jinx who mentioned she found resemblance between my writing style and Anne Rice's, wow. (Falls into pathetic puddle on the floor, giggling in delirium). Wow. You made me smile all day! (Just to clear it up, I don't want anyone to think that I'm trying to copy her, but I do greatly admire her work.)
Chapter 10
Something had changed. Something within the mansion was most certainly different, and Ororo Munroe knew she didn't require physic ability to able to notice it. She had not yet been able to pinpoint the exact reason as to why Rielle was no longer so closed into herself, or why the girl had been seen smiling, truly grinning, on more than a few occasions. Maybe she was finally getting comfortable in her new surroundings. Perhaps, Ororo dared to think, that she had found a family amongst them. Yes, something was most certainly different with the girl. The only problem being, Ororo had no idea what or why.
She shook her head, clearing her mind of these troublesome thoughts, and swept her hair back from her eyes. She settled herself more comfortably into her chair and looked over to the professor who sat to her right. Charles was preoccupied with his students down below them and did not notice Ororo's gaze. Ororo sighed a little and followed suit. She leaned over the controls, and turned on the intercom.
"All right everyone. Are you all prepared?", her voice rang out to those assembled on the Danger Room floor. "I'm starting Logan's simulation three. May the Goddess be with you, you'll all be needing the help."
With a smile she leaned back and punched in the code. Her eyes swept over the crowd assembled below her as the simulation came to life. She watched the training begin through the plate glass window that separated the control-room from the training floor. She was watching them all anxiously, especially the two newer recruits. Charles had been curious to see how Rielle could take care of herself during one of the team's practice session, and Ororo had shared his interest. Also, both wanted to see if Remy had lost any of the skills they had taught him.
"What do you think Ororo?", the professor asked casually. "Do you think they can handle it?"
Ororo paused a moment as she watched the pair of them. They stood nearly a metre apart, which confused her a little. Surely, surely there wasn't still hostility between them? Ororo had known form the beginning that there was some friction between the two, she had seen the less than warm first encounter between the two. But they had been training together for at least two weeks now. They must have gotten over their differences by now, right?
Ororo smiled to herself. She knew first hand how taxing Logan's training simulations could be. Teamwork certainly made things easier, if it wasn't essential. The two of them would certainly encounter problems if they didn't learn to look out for the other. With a last smile at Charles, Ororo settled back, ready to watch.
"Watch out Rielle!", Scott yelled at her as he blew away a couple of flying disks that had been heading in her direction. The bright, red laser hit the plaster disks, blowing them apart. Rielle jumped back a little, scolding herself for not paying more attention.
"Thanks Cyclops", she called out. Scott nodded in her direction, and then ran off to help Jean.
Rielle took a deep breath and shook herself a little. She had to get into her game, she had to show the others that they hadn't made a mistake taking her in. She shot a quick look around her, making sure the coast was clear, before racing off after Scott, further into the simulation. She looked around, taking everything in before deciding which way to go. She could see that Scott had found Jean, they were fighting a group of strange, metal androids togther. They seemed fine though, Rielle didn't think they needed her aid.
She jumped to the side quickly as a blue laser shot by her feet, and searched for the source. She could see it, a small machine hanging from the ceiling. Rielle concentrated, calling her powers together, and held out her hands. She felt the charges slowly build up under her skin, until she heard the hum of electricity and saw her hands begin to glow. She took a deep breath and struggled to keep the ball of electricity in her palms from getting any bigger. She brought up her hands, and shot the current towards the machine. The laser-gun fizzled for a moment before it exploded from within. Rielle grinned to herself, satisfied with her work.
"Jubs!" Rielle heard Kitty scream and turned around quickly.
Kitty and Jubilee had been fighting some kind of hologram. A computerized image of a man with short hair and a very long tongue. He was jumping around them, froglike, and kept just out of their reach. Rielle watched as he suddenly leapt forward at Jubilee, hitting her and knocking her to the ground. Kitty dove for the man, but he was too fast for her. Here, Rielle decided, she could be of some use. She ran closer to her friends, a new ball of electricity charging in her hands as she rushed forward. She brought her hands up once more, begging her power to cooperate. She prepared to launch the charge at the hologram, when she felt herself be pushed from behind.
Rielle fell to the floor, rolling away and quickly getting up like she had been taught. Her eyes darted around, searching for her assailant. It didn't take long to spot him.
A huge, hairy man was walking up to her, claws extended and a vicious smile painted upon his lips. His blonde hair was long and wild, and as he grinned at her, Rielle noticed the fang teeth within his mouth. He waved a little at her, before throwing back his head and letting loose a loud, guttural roar. He began to run at her, brandishing his arms before him.
Rielle took a step back, and began to re-charge the ball she had lost when she fell. As strong as the temptation was, Rielle knew she had to let it build slowly, lest the charge take control. But it was taking too long, and the large man was getting closer and closer.
She yelled as she brought up her hands before her, settling to send out the small ball she had managed to produce. Her eyes widened in shock as she watched a large, golden staff come down on the animal man's head. She saw as Gambit hit him from behind, knocking him over and off his feet. He fell to the floor, and was pelted by Remy's playing cards.
Rielle watched as the cards exploded on contact, earning a fresh roar from the hologram, as it suddenly flickered and faded away. She gazed up at Gambit who was already looking at her in concern. She dared to take a step towards him, trying to steady her frightened heart that was beating out of control. They stopped a few feet from each other, not touching. Gambit's wild eyes were unusually soft as he looked down at her, and Rielle smiled her thanks. She wanted to reach out and hold him, but she knew, they both knew, that they had to refrain from doing so in public, at least for a little while.
"Are you all right chère?", he asked her, his voice betraying his calm face.
"I'm fine Gambit", she answered him casually, lest anyone hear. "Thanks."
Gambit looked at her for a moment, wondering if he should speak, but decided against it. He was surprised when Rielle suddenly darted forward, grabbing him by his brown coat and pulling him with her to the side. He looked down at her questioningly, and jumped when he saw a pair of metallic disks crash down where he had been standing.
"It seems like Remy needs ta thank you too p'tite", he said with a smile.
She was standing so close to him now, still holding the duster and pressed against his chest. Both of them knew they should walk away, casually, and yet neither one could move away. Rielle's heart was pumping ferociously, he could feel it beating against him. With shaky fingers he brushed the hair from her face, and cupped her face in his palm. Rielle sighed against his hand before backing away, turning her head away from his touch.
"Remy", she whispered, "We can't..."
Remy nodded his understanding to her and hurried by her, maybe a little more brusquely than he meant. Rielle watched him go, angry at herself and yet knowing she had done the right thing. Whatever it was that was happening between Remy and herself had to stay that way, private and secret. Rielle was learned enough in the ways of the world to know that no good could come of the others learning about their, relationship? She really didn't know what to call it, she knew Remy didn't either, and that was alright for the moment. He was after all, a teacher of sorts here at the school, not to mention four years her senior. She had no problem with it and she knew Remy didn't, but they were unsure of how the others would accept their new status. The biggest worry, Rielle knew, was Rogue. The last thing she wanted to do was cause a rift within the team. And although the other girl had a relationship with Bobby, Rielle knew she would not be happy about seeing Rielle with Remy.
" All right everyone, good work", Ororo's voice said suddenly, sailing out of the speakers. "That's enough for today."
The holograms died away and the attacking machines withdrew back into their compartments. She noticed other members of the team stop what they were doing to look around at each other. There didn't seem to be any serious damage.
Jubilee was fine, her wrist was a little sprained, but no serious injuries had been inflicted. Kitty was helping her friend out off the floor, Scott and Jean were bustling about the others, making sure everyone was alright. She could even see Bobby and Rogue, walking hand in hand a little distance from the others. Logan, however, was nowhere to be found. Neither, Rielle painfully admitted, was Remy. Surely he wasn't about to be childish and sulk because she had pulled away from him earlier? Well, she wasn't going to apologize. Rielle crossed her arms and followed Kitty and Jubilee out of the Danger Room. She had done nothing wrong, and she wasn't about to chase after him if he was pouting. She smiled to Kurt as he walked by her, returning the blue man's friendly wave. She watched as he met up with Scott, playfully swiping the other man' head and dashing away. She laughed a little to herself. She had never thought it possible, but these people were starting to grow on her. Imagine, a group of strangers who had taken her in without asking anything in return. After the show, Gabrielle had doubted that this kind of generosity existed. She hurried after Kitty and Jubilee, who had paused at the doors and were waiting for her to catch up. Kitty was tapping her foot, mocking impatience as Jubilee shook her head at her best-friend.
"Like, today Rielle", Kitty sighed, exasperated. "You might not mind be sweaty and stinky, but some of us prefer to be clean."
Gabrielle pushed the other girl playfully and went with Jubilee into the change rooms. They made their way over to their lockers, walking by Rogue who was already finished her shower. Rielle tried to make eye-contact with the older girl, but Rogue kept her eyes looking straight ahead. Rielle sighed and looked at Jubilee, who only shrugged her shoulders.
The girls grabbed their towels and met up with Kitty, who was rushing to get a shower. Rielle went to a nozzle and let the warm water cascade down upon her. She brushed the hair out of her face, and took a drink. She let the steam envelop her as she drifted into her thoughts.
What exactly had she gotten herself into? What was Remy looking for exactly, when he turned to her, his eyes drilling into her own. It frightened her a little. This, whatever it was, was passionate and intense, but Rielle had never had this before. She and Zephyr had been lovers, of course, it was her payment to the troupe, but they had never shared this kind of emotional roller-coaster.
"I don't even know where we stand", she murmured into the stream of water. " Maybe the only thing he wants from me is a way to forget Rogue."
Rogue. How would she react to the knowledge of Remy and Rielle, (relationship?) To be truthful, Rielle was perfectly content with keeping their, courtship, secret for now. It just kept things so much simpler.
She turned off the water and wrapped herself quickly into her towel. Jubilee and Kitty had already left the showers. They had probably gone back to change into their regular clothes. Rielle made her way out and over to her locker. The room was empty.
"Great", she said aloud. "I must have been daydreaming longer than I thought." She hurried to open her locker and pulled out a pair of jeans and a long blue tunic. She pulled the pants on quickly and fastened a brown leather belt around her waist. Her clothes were getting a little snug, she had been gaining weight since she had arrived. But she was fine with that. She was sick of starving herself for the sake of others. In fact, she had been letting herself indulge in ice cream and chips, treats she hadn't tasted since her early youth.
She picked up her shirt, letting the gauzy material slip between her fingers. She pulled it over her head when she heard the door opening behind her. She paused, her top on halfway, as she spun around to tease Kitty or Jubilee about how they had left her.
Remy stood in the doorway, a surprised look on his face and a smile appeared instantly on his delighted face.
"Remy!", Gabrielle shrieked, spinning around quickly, and yanking her shirt down the rest of the way. "Talk about rude. You do realize that this is the girls' change room, right?"
He stood there, still grinning stupidly at her, his eyes taking her in. Gabrielle cursed herself when she felt the blush rise into her cheeks under his gaze. God, did this guy think he could get away with anything? First he stormed off, pissed, and now he was peeping at her while she changed. Well, at least he wasn't shy.
Gabrielle refused to let herself be intimidated by him. She shrugged her shoulders at him, and picked up her brush. She ignored him as she combed through the tangles. She took her long hair into her hand and tied it back into loose braid. She peeked over at him, and Remy was still leaning against the door, idly shuffling his cards, his red-black eyes still on her.
She diverted her gaze quickly and gathered her things together. She packed up her training uniform. She had to admit she had felt a little out of place in her lycra sports tank and sweat pants, amongst the others in their X-Men outfits. Remy, she noticed, had changed out of his and was casually sporting a black t-shirt and some fabulously tight jeans.
No. She shook her head feverishly. She had to exercise some control here. Just don't look at him, just walk by. Gabrielle turned her face away as she walked over to Remy and kept as far away as she could as she went to push open the door. Remy arm suddenly shot out in front of her, blocking her path. She stopped short, looking up at him and feigning irritation.
Remy's arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her waist as Gabrielle felt herself be pushed against the wall. Remy's hot breath was on her neck and she ran her fingers through his hair as she held him close. His lips trailed over her neck and down unto her exposed collar bone. She sighed a little, settling deeper into his arms. She shivered as his travelled up from her waist, exploring the bare skin beneath her tunic. His warm hands rose higher and higher, and as his fingers grazed her breast, Gabrielle pushed him away, and stood there hugging herself.
Remy kissed the top of her head and held her again in his arms, more tenderly this time. Gabrielle stood stiff, refusing to let herself melt into his embrace. She had to talk to him. She had to know where she stood with him, and wether or not she was being used again. Therefore it was that she sighed as she asked him, a little frightened to hear his answer.
"Remy", she whispered to him. "Can we talk?"
Remy peeled away and looked down at her, one eyebrow raised quizzically. His brow furrowed, as he stroked her hair gently.
"What is it chérie? What's wrong?", Remy's voice was so soft, so comforting. Gabrielle wished she could just bite her tongue and continue to enjoy his caress. But no, she had been hurt before, she wouldn't let it happen again.
"Remy", she began, looking up into his worried face. " There's just something I need to get off my chest."
"You do entirely too much talking p'tite", Remy growled as he bent down to nuzzle her neck. "Remy knows better things we could be doing..."
"But that's just it", Gabrielle gently pushed him away again, her tone growing serious. " I need to know where I stand with you. I need to know if you really do, care for me somehow, or if I'm just some action on the side to help you get over Rogue."
The look he gave her pierced her soul. She suddenly regretted every word, wishing she could pick them out of the air where they lingered still and force them back down into her heart. He was looking at her so, hurt, that she knew that she had hurt him.
"Why do you even ask Remy dat question Rielle?", he asked, backing away from her.
"I'm sorry Remy, it's just that, well... I think I'm beginning to really like you and I just...", Gabrielle's voice broke. "I won't let myself be hurt again."
Remy's arms were around her again, enveloping her and keeping her warm. She sighed and clung to him, masking her face in his shirt and breathing in his scent. She felt him kiss her hair, and she trembled in his embrace.
"I don't know Rielle", he murmured, his lips still tasting her flesh. "I don't know what to tell you. You know Remy cares for you too, and you know that I don't want to be with you for dat one reason that seems ta scare de p'tite so bad. I just wanna be wit you, for now, maybe until, I dunno, maybe one day we could think about de deed, but not until ma chère be ready cuz Remy don't want to rush you cuz Remy is maybe, I dunno, a little starting ta fall..."
"Remy, stop!", Gabrielle laughed, bringing a finger to his lips. "You're rambling, you don't make any sense."
Remy smiled, and tenderly stroked her cheek. Gabrielle smiled faintly at him, and turned into his palm.
"I won't ever hurt you p'tite", he told her, a sudden ferocity coming into his voice. "I only wish I could kill de bastard dat ruined you inside."
"Shut-up and kiss me", Gabrielle said seductively, not wanting to talk about Zephyr. He had no place in her life now, especially not when she was in Remy's arms. Remy happily obliged, kissing her hungrily and pulling her closer to him. Gabrielle giggled and wound her arms around his neck. Remy's lips crushed her own, tasting them and ravaging them, and yet he did so with a strange tenderness. Gabrielle had never known a kiss to be like his.
Remy's hands, that had been resting around her waist, suddenly slid down, slowly and teasing her, until his hands came to reach her derriere. Gabrielle gasped a little as she pulled away from the kiss, looking up at Remy incredulously. He only grinned and let his hands continue to grope her.
"Remy", she scolded him breathlessly, unable to wipe the smile from her face.
Remy kept grinning savagely at her, as he suddenly took a step forward and tried to pick her up. Gabrielle squealed as she ran just out of his grasp, teasing him and darting just always out of reach. Remy whined and grumbled at her, and tried to corner her against the wall.
His hands shot out for her as she flew past him towards the door. She gripped the doorhandle, and felt Remy's hands pulling her from behind. She kicked in the air as she was suddenly lifted up from the ground, and yelled happily as Remy swung her about, cradling her against his chest.
"You win", she whispered as Remy leaned in once more.
"Oh my, I didn't realize anyone was still... I'm sorry"
Remy almost dropped her and Gabrielle grabbed unto his neck to keep from falling. Remy swung them around to face the door, and a very shocked Jean stood looking at them, the gym bag she had been holding dropped on the floor.
Remy quickly put her down and Gabrielle rushed to smooth out her top and hair, which had grown very dishevelled while they had played. The loose braid was coming undone, and her hair was falling out about her face. She noticed even Remy backed away suddenly, pulling out his cards and attempting to look calm.
"What exactly is going on here?", asked Jean who had found her voice.
"What do you mean Red?", Remy asked casually, still shuffling his deck.
"You know perfectly well what I mean Remy", she said, suddenly reprimanding as she looked at the two of them. " Rielle?"
"I'm sorry Jean", she confessed, knowing it was useless to try and bluff. "We were just playing around."
Jean looked at her, the anger gone and quickly replaced by sympathy as she looked at both of them. She sighed and wrung her hands, looking from one pair of guilty eyes to the next. She took in Rielle's crumpled shirt, and Remy's wild hair. She knew what was happening here, she just couldn't believe she had missed it. Of course, trying to get anything from Remy's mind was like attempting to break through a brick wall with a spoon. But Rielle's mind shields were very weak, almost non-existent. Why hadn't she noticed before?
"Listen you two, whatever game you're playing, I strongly urge you to end it here", Jean's voice lost all of it's reprimand and grew soft as she stepped forward. "The professor will not like it if Rielle is distracted from her training. And to speak of her training, Remy, you're like her teacher! Do you truly think the others will understand?"
"They didn't care when I was with Rogue", Remy shot back, letting the name escape his lips before he could call it back.
Still, it hit Gabrielle squarely, and she flinched a little. Get over it, she screamed silently at herself, Don't be such a baby. He's only telling the truth after all, the past doesn't just go away.
She looked at Remy, who caught her eye, and turned her gaze away once more.
"Maybe that's the reason they won't like it", Jean continued, daring to go further. "All they'll think about is how Rogue was destroyed when you left. Professor Xavier won't allow you to get involved with a student again, I know it, you know it."
"Then we'll leave", Gabrielle spoke up suddenly, angry that she and Remy were being disciplined like children. They were just beginning after all, only starting their journey together. And now the others were going to try and stop them when they needed each other so desperately? Remy needed her to forget his old wounds, and God knew she needed him to cleanse her of her former life. She'd fight for what they had, for what they would have.
"The professor won't let you, and neither would Remy", Jean told her gently. "Not after all the work you've done to control your power. If he truly cared, Remy wouldn't let you run away from all this."
Remy glared at Jean, but then sighed and looked at Gabrielle.
"She's right p'tite, we stayin' here."
"So I firmly suggest you end this, infatuation or whatever it is, and get it out of your systems", Jean's voice regained its composure as she opened the door. "And by the way, there's and X-Men meeting in progress, and the two of you are late. Please hurry and join us in the professor's office. I'll delay them a moment longer."
And with a last look at them, Jean closed the door and disappeared into the hall. Gabrielle exhaled sharply, and looked up at Remy. He didn't return her gaze, he only stared ahead as if he were seeing something for the first time. Gabrielle did not flinch this time when Remy's fist collided with an open locker door, sending a dull metallic thud throughout the silent change room. Gabrielle walked up behind him, leaning into his back, kissing him through his shirt.
She didn't care what Jean thought, or the professor. She had finally found a true friend in Remy, and fuck them if they thought she was going to let that go.
Author's note: Alright, so there's another one! I was suffering from a mild case of writer's block in the beginning of the chapter and I think it shows. But I tried and I finished! So, a few shout-outs: Silverbells, thanks for your continuous guidance and support. Chaotic Jinx, for reviewing every chapter and keeping me strong. And to all of the new readers who reviewed, I hope you all liked the chapter and that you all keep reading!
Thanks and gratitude,
Pandora